Michael Greenwalt’s professional journey, moving from twenty-three years of leadership in the fire service to co-founding Leviathan AI, illustrates that adaptability and curiosity are the ultimate drivers of modern innovation. Drawing from the structured trust of a high-functioning emergency response crew, he demonstrates that AI should not be treated as a mere question-and-answer box, but rather as an active partner that handles eighty percent of heavy execution while humans provide the initial vision and final touch. This approach allows individuals to leverage technology without losing their unique personal agency or creative voice.
Anika sat down with Michael Greenwalt to explore how artificial intelligence is fundamentally reshaping the landscape of software development, traditional education, and the future of work. The conversation revealed a counterintuitive truth: as technology advances to automate complex tasks, human adaptability, curiosity, and relationships become our greatest assets. Michael’s unique journey—from 23 years in the fire service as a battalion chief to co-founding Leviathan AI, a platform that allows non-technical users to build secure software using plain English—offered a practical look at how professionals can leverage AI as a high-functioning partner rather than fearing it as a replacement.
In This Episode
Timestamps
Key Insights & Takeaways
Insight 1: Treat AI Like a High-Functioning Crew
Instead of using AI as a simple question-and-answer box, professionals should treat it like a skilled partner in the field. By applying the 10-80-10 rule—providing the initial vision, letting the AI generate 80% of the execution, and refining it with a human touch—users can optimize their workflow without losing their unique voice.
Insight 2: Leviathan's Mission to Democratize Software
Historically, building software required credentialed engineering teams and months of development. Platforms like Leviathan AI are bridging the digital divide by allowing everyday business users and resource-constrained government agencies to build functional, secure workflows simply by stating what they need in plain English.
Insight 3: The Danger of Rote Learning in an Automated World
Traditional education systems built around memorization are failing because AI can recall data faster than any human. The future belongs to those who cultivate deep curiosity, ask the right questions, and learn like children—focusing on inquiry rather than regurgitation.
Insight 4: The Mid-Career Reskilling Imperative
When confronted with technological shifts, professionals should adopt the mindset of early computer pioneers who bought the manuals and mastered the new tools rather than fighting them. By becoming the internal expert on AI workflows within an organization, employees make themselves indispensable.
Insight 5: Identity Beyond the Job Title
As automation disrupts traditional career paths, humanity faces an upcoming identity crisis. True fulfillment requires looking beyond a single professional vertical and anchoring our self-worth in human connection, creativity, and community.
Resources & Links Mentioned
Claude Co-work (AI automation and workflow assistant)
Previous episode featuring Tim Coughlin and the RQ Lab
About Michael Greenwalt
Michael Greenwalt spent 23 years in the fire service, retiring as a battalion chief responsible for training, operations, and officer development. Today, he is the co-founder and CEO of Leviathan AI, an innovative platform that enables business users with no coding background to build custom software workflows using plain English. He is a passionate advocate for human-centric AI adoption, digital literacy, and empowering underserved public safety and small business communities.
Connect with Michael
Website: https://www.michaelgreenwalt.net/